First Metro Bank

Security Center

Protect Your Credit Rating

Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place fraud alert on your name and Social Security number if you suspect your credit information has been stolen. This alerts creditors to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742

Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

If your First Metro Bank credit or check debit ATM card is stolen, report it immediately by calling the following toll free numbers:

First Metro Bank Visa/MC CREDIT cards:

1-800-423-7497

1-800-423-7503

First Metro Bank MasterCard CHECK cards:

1-800-264-5578

Visit the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's web site for more information about preventing and recovering from identity theft.
Call First Metro Bank at 386-0600 with your comments or questions. We are here to help you!

Tips to protect you against fraudulent activity:

When you reorder your checks, have only your initials (instead of your first name) and last name printed on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but the bank will know how you sign your checks.

Sign your new check or debit cards and credit cards as soon as they arrive in the mail or note "Check Identification" on the signature line.

Treat your cards like money. Store them in a secure place.

Limit the number of credit cards your carry on a regular basis. Only carry the cards you will use.

Do NOT write your personal identification number (PIN) on the back of your bank or credit cards. Keep all PINs in a secure place, not written on papers in your wallet.

Select a PIN not associated with your birthday, social security number or phone number.

Do NOT print your Social Security number on checks or any other bank related documents for retail use.

Shred anything with your account number before throwing it away, including pre-approved credit card offers.

Do NOT give your card number over the phone unless you initiate the call. Always ask why your information is needed before providing it.

Do NOT write any bank or credit card number or your Social Security number on a postcard or the outside of an envelope.

Remember to get your card and receipt after a transaction, and double-check to be sure they are yours.

Notify card issuers immediately if your billing statement is incorrect or your credit cards are lost or stolen.

If you do not receive your monthly billing statement, notify the company immediately.

Review your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com. Reviewing your report will tell you if anyone has applied for credit in your name and if any accounts are being used without your knowledge, with the billing statement being sent to a different address.

Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel if they are stolen. Keep the photocopies in a safe place and keep the file current.

If you have your purse or wallet stolen, file a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen. This proves to credit providers your were diligent and is the first step toward an investigation should there be one.